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Child Custody cases in Macon GA
The welfare of children is of major concern to the Court. Neither parent is outright ensured custody. The court looks at the best interests of the child in deciding the right parent to have custody. The court looks at various factors at the time of determining custody. Those factors are the age and sex of the child, compatibility with each parent, and the ability of each parent to care for and nurture the child. A child over 14 years of age can pick which parent will have custody with the consent of the court. In election situations, meanwhile, the trial court has a wide latitude and discretion in determining if the chosen parent is a fit and proper person to have child custody. As to a child at least 11 but not 14 years old, the judge will consider the wishes, if any, and educational requirements of the child when determining custody between the parents, but the court will have complete discretion and the childs desires will not be controlling. Law considers it important for a child to maintain a relationship with both parents; hence visitation rights are awarded to the non-custodial parent.
The court in its discretion can grant joint child custody instead of sole child custody. There are two categories of joint custody. Joint legal custody means that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child. In joint physical custody physical custody is shared by the parents in such a way to assure the child substantially equal time and contact with both parents. In granting joint child custody, the judge can order joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or both.
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